Spa, preschool proposed where movie theater is

A 24-hour spa and a preschool are proposed for the AMC Classic Vernon Hills 8 theater site south of State Route 60, the Daily Herald reported.

Under a proposal from Chicago-based developer GW Properties, which bought the site, the current theatre building would convert to a 24-hour spa, which would include therapy and healing sauna rooms, lounges, hot tubs, dining services, rooftop, outdoor and indoor pools, and other features, like a Himalayan salt room, the Daily Herald report said.

GW Properties also is proposing to construct a building for the Gardner School, which offers preschool programs for children under 5. The plan calls for a 16,333-square-foot building with 14 classrooms, according to the report.

Two years ago, a 1,200-seat AMC theater opened in a renovation and expansion expansion of Hawthorn Mall, the report said, adding that “Observers have wondered” what would happen to the AMC Classic Vernon Hills 8. Village officials said GW Properties’ is the first specific plan for the property, the Daily Herald said.